First and foremost, we start with the assumption that you have chosen a board-certified plastic surgeon, who specializes in facial rejuvenation surgery, whose results you admire, and who has good online reviews and a strong reputation in the community.
Start with a General Discussion About Your Concerns
During the consultation, one of the most important things to communicate is not what procedure you want—such as "I am interested in getting a facelift"—but rather the things about your face that are of aesthetic concern. Often, patients will express general aesthetics like “I look tired but don’t feel tired” or more specific terms like “my eyes or my mouth have changed and look angry.” Some patients may identify specific facial anatomy changes that bother them, like “I don’t like my jowls near my jawline” or “I am bothered by the deep nasolabial or marionette lines.” It’s helpful to have a broad overview discussion first with your plastic surgeon regarding your facial rejuvenation concerns and goals, and then dive into the specifics. This allows your surgeon to better understand your concerns, such as “my eyes look tired,” as opposed to “I am here for a facelift.”
Asking Specific Questions About Your Facelift Procedure
Once your plastic surgeon has discussed your general concerns and recommended a facelift procedure, it’s time to ask specific questions.
What Is a Facelift and What Areas Will It Correct?
This is important because a facelift can actually mean different things to different people. For some, it corrects the neck as well, while for others it only addresses the area between the eyes and the jawline.
How Will the Tissue Be Repositioned?
Can your surgeon show you with their hands how the tissue will be repositioned during the facelift? Computer morphing programs are helpful, but ultimately, your surgeon's technique must match your unique tissue characteristics.
Where Will the Incisions Be?
Particularly important is whether the incision will be in front of your ear or if it will go “behind the tragus” (the small cartilage near the ear-cheek border). Another consideration is the hairline placement—ask about how the incision might affect the hairline at the top of your forehead, at the temple, and behind your ear.
How Will the Incisions Affect My Hairline?
Some patients have a lot of loose skin, so the incision placement needs to allow for skin removal and tightening, without shifting or distorting the hairline. This question ensures that the procedure won't negatively impact the overall appearance of your hairline.
How Is My Facial Volume?
Some patients experience facial aging through tissue laxity, while others have volume loss, or a combination of both. If your primary concern is volume loss, your surgeon should discuss replenishing that volume, often using fat transfer techniques.
What Type of Sutures Will Be Used and When Are They Removed?
Though it may not seem critical, the suture type and removal process matter. The final skin closure should be done with non-absorbable sutures like Prolene or Nylon, and they should be removed approximately 3-4 days after surgery. This approach minimizes scarring.
What Happens If I Need a Revision?
There are many variables in facelift surgery, and some can’t be controlled, such as how the tissues hold the tension placed on them during the procedure. Sometimes, tissue may relax more than desired within the first year, which could necessitate a revision to tighten the skin again. Ask your surgeon how revisions are handled, including complications and normal post-surgery changes.
What Is the Cost of the Procedure?
Discuss the costs involved in the facelift procedure, including surgeon’s fees, operating room fees, anesthesia fees, and any additional costs for follow-up visits or revisions. Clarify if follow-ups are included in the cost and whether there’s a limit on them.
Additional Considerations and Questions
Your plastic surgeon or their office will likely automatically cover topics such as recovery downtime, use of drains or hemostatic netting, and the use of compression garments. If these topics aren't addressed, be sure to ask, as they can affect your recovery process.